Last month, more than sixty buses hit the streets of Cleveland encouraging “Green Patriotism” with banners and posters created by Pentagram designer Michael Bierut. Promoting both the ecologically sound use of public transportation and the development of green jobs in the manufacturing sector, the posters can now be seen on buses across the city. Beirut states that “The banners are part of a new environmentalism — one that sees action to address climate change as an imperative to protect both the American and world economies.”

During World War II the United States was able to mobilize industry and motivate its citizens in breathtaking speed. Factories were overhauled and consumption habits transformed. Conservation (in the form of rationing) became a patriotic act. Strong, graphically compelling posters played a crucial role in the success of this campaign. Taking action was presented in these posters as vital for the common good of the nation and those who were willing to sacrifice were portrayed as attractive, dynamic American heroes. To face the ecological crisis posed by global climate change today a similar mobilization of America is required.

To help meet this ecological challenge, The Canary Project and its partners will launch a national competition this month, where participants will be able to submit Green Patriot Poster designs, as well as to view and vote on posters from the rest of the online community. We will keep you updated!